Do You Need Mass Mutual Doctor Disability Insurance?

Yes. Ok, that might be too quick and too brazen, but the truth is most people stand to gain significant risk offset benefits from disability insurance. Most of the things that we value in life are insured – our home, our car and even our life. It is aquite realistic assessment that the risk of damage is quite real, and the cost of repairs (not in case of life insurance, but other insurances) to those objects may be too high to bear in case of an accident or a natural disaster. But in our risk management planning, one thing is often ignored, that is our income. Our earnings are secured only as long as we are healthy and able to work. In case that changes, a disability insurance can provide some much-needed relief.

The scenario in healthcare industry

The case for disability insurance is even stronger in the healthcare industry. Doctors are highly skilled professionals. They are highly reliant on their skill and talents to be able to do their job and earn their livelihood. In case any disability causes them to be unable to render their job, they are at significant risk. Hence, disability insurance is quite prevalent among doctors. In fact, it is common practice for doctors to opt for own-speciality or own-profession insurance plans which are quite expensive but provide generous cover. There are various major insurers that offer specialised insurance products for healthcare professionals such as Ameritas Disability Income Insurance for Medical Professionals, which is a disability insurance for doctors. There are also specialised products on offer by the Ohio National Disability Income Insurance and MassMutual Disability Insurance which also offer own-speciality insurance options as riders.

Some larger healthcare institutions such as hospitals or medical research centres may have a group insurance policy for covering disability, but most group policies provided by employers are inadequate to cover all expenses in case of loss of livelihood. Also, if the doctor chooses to leave the institution, the policy cannot be migrated most of the time. Hence, a personal doctor disability insurance policy is recommended in order to have sufficient coverage and also continue coverage regardless of employer.

Are the risks really high enough?

Let us take a look at the data. According to a survey, about a third of all doctors experience some or the other kind of disability in their professional careers. Of those, about in 40% of the cases, the disability lasts for 7 years or more. That’s the data about the healthcare industry. Now take a look at the average population data. According to the Social Security Administration, an average 20 year old has a 30% probability of suffering from a disability period of 6 months or more. Those are some significant statistical risks, and a good insurance will help you tip the scales in your favour.

Peace of mind

Another advantage of disability is enormous peace of mind. If you have any dependents in your family, such as kids, then having a disability insurance will relieve you of a significant amount of anxiety. There are several insurance plans that pay out almost 85% of your normal earnings as benefits in case you suffer from a disability. Such financial support will help you more or less maintain your present quality of life regardless of any unforeseen tragedies.